At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with additional needs to enhance their learning experience.
- Company: Bournemouth & Poole College, a vibrant and inclusive educational institution.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, discount schemes, and pension enrolment.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to transforming lives and fostering community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: GCSE English and Maths, experience with online systems, and understanding of learning needs.
The predicted salary is between 9872 - 18677 £ per year.
Here at Bournemouth & Poole College, we have a position available for an Academic Support Assistant on a term time only, permanent basis. In return, you will receive a competitive salary of £9,872.17 - £18,677.07 per annum (£24,263 per annum FTE).
At Bournemouth & Poole College our staff are passionate and committed to achieve the very best outcomes for our students – we transform lives. We recognise and value our people as our most important asset in achieving each of the strategic outcomes within our College's Strategic Plan. We believe it is through our people that an excellent student experience will be delivered, and this will have a positive impact in our local community. We value inclusion and we are committed to the promotion of equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring we have a diverse, skilled, and motivated workforce who are empowered and engaged.
The Academic Support Assistant Role:
As our Academic Support Assistant, you will ensure that students with additional needs are provided with a positive and supported learning experience. Academic Support Assistants enable students with additional needs to successfully complete their programme of study; helping students by working in conjunction with teaching staff to provide support on an individual or small group basis.
Responsibilities as our Academic Support Assistant will include:
- To work under the direction of teaching staff (class tutors and specialist practitioners) to provide high-quality specialist support.
- Specialisms will include English and maths support, support for learners with Autism and/or support for learners with specific learning disabilities.
- To encourage and support students to develop their skills in working independently.
- To provide necessary support during teaching sessions, including helping the student to interpret notes, checking understanding of vocabulary, recapping learning.
- To provide tailored support outside of the classroom as required; this may take place as a support session in the Study Centre.
- To develop strategies to support student organisational skills, for example - prioritising tasks in order to meet assignment deadlines.
- To work flexibly in supporting and preparing students for exams of all types; to act as a reader, scribe or invigilator.
- To undertake any training that is deemed mandatory or of relevance to the role.
- To complete administrative duties as required e.g. writing up session reviews, contributing to annual reviews and recording progress using online systems such as Pro Monitor.
- Where agreed and where appropriate training has been undertaken, to provide personal care as required in line with risk assessment outlined in the student's medical or personal care support plan.
- Ability to work with students with a variety of medical needs as required in line with the risk assessment outlined in the student's medical IHCP.
As our Academic Support Assistant, you'll ideally have:
- GCSE 4-9 (or equivalent Level 2) English and Maths.
- Experience in using online record keeping systems.
- Experience in the effective use of email and online calendar systems.
- Experience in engaging with a range of individuals at all ages and academic levels.
- An understanding of additional learning needs and disabilities.
- Broad knowledge of both academic and vocational curriculum and delivery models.
- Knowledge of basic Microsoft packages such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and Zoom.
- Knowledge of safeguarding.
- Competent in Microsoft Office applications.
Benefits you will receive:
- 27.5 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 30.5 after 5 years' service.
- Up to 4 days additional leave during the Christmas closure period.
- Access to Discount Schemes at multiple retailers.
- Enrolment into the NEST Pension Scheme.
Closing Date: 01 December 2025. Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake appropriate safeguarding checks which includes an enhanced DBS check as well as providing proof of right to work in the UK.
Academic Support Assistant employer: Bournemouth and Poole College
Bournemouth and Poole College is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the growth and development of its staff. As a Technician/Instructor, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' learning experiences while enjoying a competitive salary and the chance to pursue teaching qualifications in a vibrant educational environment.
Contact Details:
Bournemouth and Poole College Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Academic Support Assistant
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like Bournemouth and Poole College just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at Bournemouth and Poole College. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Academic Support Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Academic Support Assistant role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At Bournemouth and Poole College, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bournemouth and Poole College
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at Bournemouth and Poole College, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At Bournemouth and Poole College, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.